Honestly, trying to track down exactly where to stream Annie in 2026 is a total headache. You’d think a massive franchise with multiple movie versions and a Broadway legacy would be everywhere. It isn't. One day it's on one platform, the next it’s vanished because of some obscure licensing deal between Sony and a random cable network. If you're looking for the red-haired orphan, you've probably realized that "just Googling it" gives you three different answers depending on which year the article was written.
We’re talking about three major versions here: the 1982 classic, the 1999 Disney-produced gem, and the 2014 modern remix. Each lives in a different corner of the internet.
The 1982 Classic: Where to Stream Annie Right Now
The 1982 version starring Aileen Quinn and Carol Burnett is the one most people are actually looking for. It’s the definitive "Tomorrow" experience. Currently, for those in the United States, where to stream Annie usually starts and ends with digital rentals, but there are some subscription catches.
As of early 2026, the 1982 film is notably absent from the "Big Three" (Netflix, Disney+, and Max) as a standard inclusion. While it used to cycle through Max frequently, its current home for subscribers is often specialized. You can typically find it on FuboTV or through a Premium Subscription on YouTube TV if they have the right channel add-ons like MGM+ or Starz active.
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If you don't want to sign up for a whole new cable-replacement service, your best bet is basically just paying the three or four bucks to rent it. It is widely available for rent or purchase on:
- Amazon Prime Video (usually $3.99 for HD)
- Apple TV / iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
The 4K remaster is actually worth the extra dollar if you’re watching on a big screen. The colors in "It's a Hard Knock Life" look surprisingly crisp for a movie filmed in the early 80s.
That 2014 Remake is Actually Easier to Find
If you’re looking for the Quvenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx version, you're in luck. This version—produced by Will Smith and Jay-Z—tends to stay on major platforms more consistently because of Sony’s ongoing output deals.
Currently, the 2014 Annie is streaming on Netflix.
It’s been a staple there for a while. If it’s not on your specific Netflix homepage, it might be due to a regional lockout, but for the vast majority of US users, it's right there. This version swaps the Great Depression for modern-day New York, and honestly, the soundtrack updates are kinda catchy if you can get past the heavy auto-tune. It's a great "background movie" for kids, even if purists think it’s a bit too glossy.
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What Happened to the 1999 Disney Version?
This is where things get annoying. The 1999 version, directed by Rob Marshall (who later did Chicago), is widely considered the best adaptation of the actual stage musical. It has Victor Garber as Warbucks and Kathy Bates as a terrifyingly good Miss Hannigan.
You’d think it would be on Disney+ forever.
It isn't. In late 2022, Disney+ did a massive "content purge" to save on residual payments and server costs. Annie (1999) was one of the casualties in the US market. While it occasionally pops back up for a month or two during the holidays, it is currently not on Disney+ in the United States.
To watch this version, you almost certainly have to buy it. It’s rarely available for rent; most platforms like Apple TV and Amazon only offer it as a "Buy" option for around $9.99 to $14.99.
Free Options (Legit ones, anyway)
Look, we all want to watch stuff for free. If you’re hunting for where to stream Annie without opening your wallet, you have to get a little creative.
- Tubi and Pluto TV: These ad-supported "FAST" services (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) rotate their libraries on the first of every month. The 1982 version has appeared on Tubi several times over the last year. It’s worth a quick search on their apps; just prepare for a lot of commercials during "Easy Street."
- The Library (Hoopla/Kanopy): If you have a library card, check if your local branch supports Hoopla. They often have the 1982 and 1999 versions available for "digital borrow." It’s completely free and supports your local library system.
- Annie Live!: If you just want the music and don't care about it being a "movie," the 2021 Annie Live! special is often available on Peacock.
Why is Annie so hard to find?
It comes down to rights. Sony Pictures owns the 1982 and 2014 films. Disney owns the 1999 film. The stage rights are held by a completely different entity. Because Sony doesn't have its own "must-have" streaming service (they basically just sell their movies to the highest bidder like Netflix or Starz), the movies bounce around constantly.
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If you find it on a service today, watch it. It might be gone by Tuesday.
Actionable Steps to Watch Annie Today
Stop scrolling through Netflix menus and do this instead:
- Check JustWatch or ScreenHits TV first: These sites track real-time availability. Streaming licenses change at midnight on the first of the month, so an article written three weeks ago might already be wrong.
- Search your TV’s "Global Search": If you have a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV, use the voice remote. It searches across all your installed apps, including the weird free ones you forgot you had.
- Buy the Digital Copy of the 1999 version: Seriously. It’s the hardest one to find and rarely streams for free. If you love that cast, just spend the $10 and own it so you don't have to hunt for it every December.
- Verify your Region: If you're using a VPN, the 1982 Annie is often available on Netflix in international markets like Canada or Australia even when it's missing from the US library.